Claire Rogers Cool products and foodie things www.sunlive.co.nz

With over 30 years of writing cookbooks together Alison and son Simon Holst have put out a great little book just in time for all your Christmas cooking.

Simon and Alison say the recipes in the book will inspire people to cook their own Christmas meals and treats. Many of the recipes in the book can be made ahead of time, so grab a book and start cooking, as Christmas is just round the corner. The book covers not only the traditional foods that we have all enjoyed over the years but also many recipes for delicious festive pickles, biscuits and cakes.

I particularly like the recipe ideas for gifts. I think there is nothing nicer than being given a gift that has been homemade, you know that it will be delicious and fresh and made with thought and love. The festive Christmas pickle caught my eye, as did the spiced almonds. Also included in the book is Alison's most requested recipe, her pretty golden Christmas cake.

The Weekend Sun has five copies to give away to lucky readers who can tell us which is Alison's most requested recipe. Enter here.